Loneliness is an unpleasant feeling of isolation that stems from a lack of connection. As social beings, humans need to feel connected to find happiness. Here are some tools for overcoming loneliness.

Ad

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Recognize Feelings of Loneliness

1

Notice feelings of loneliness. If they've lasted for more than a few days or a week, it may be time to seek treatment. Loneliness is not the same as being alone, it's a negative emotional state.

Ad

2

Admit to your feelings. Being truthful with yourself is half the battle.

3

Identify the type of loneliness. Uncovering the type of loneliness makes it easier to treat. Here are the three main types of loneliness.

Individual loss isolation, which results from losing a loved one through death, break-up, or divorce

Physical isolation as a result of a move

Emotional isolation as a result of being unable to establish relationships with the people around you

4

Take action to recognize the cause. By establishing the cause of your pain, you're better able to treat it. Here are common causes.

Death

Divorce or break-up

Single parenting, which results in isolation

Moving to a new area

Discrimination as a result of gender, race, sexual orientation, or disability

Sexual abuse, which causes an inability to trust others

Lack of self confidence

5

Notice the mental health impact of your loneliness. Loneliness can cause stress, depression, and anxiety, which results in additional sadness.

Ad

Method 2 of 3: Express Your Feelings

1

Take action to release your emotions. Don't bottle up or suppress your emotions because it only leaves you feeling worse.

2

Write your emotions down in a journal. Don't worry about grammar or the content of your writing. View journaling as a way of letting go of weighty emotions.

3

Express your emotions through art. Choose an artistic medium that you're comfortable with and get started. Consider painting or sculpting.

You don't have to be a professional artist to love art. If you're intrigued by a certain artistic medium, take a class.

4

Talk with others about your loneliness. Don't be embarrassed about the way you feel. Talk to a friend, family member, or a counselor.

If you're being bullied in school, don't hesitate to admit it. Talk with parents, close friends, teachers, or guidance counselors. [1]

Ad

Method 3 of 3: Reconnect with Society

1

Take action to reconnect with those that you miss. If your loneliness is caused by physical isolation, such as moving away from those that you love, contact them. In this age of technology, reconnection is easy. Here are a few modes of communication.

Email

Text

Phone call

Facebook

Skype

2

Deal with social anxiety. Social anxiety and other social phobias can make connecting with those around us difficult.

Discuss the option of prescription drugs to treat social anxiety with your doctor.

3

Join a group. Become involved in your community through an activity that you love. Here are some ideas.

Exercise, walking, or running clubs

Art, music, or poetry classes

Church, religious, and spiritual groups

Gardening groups

Travel groups

Baby and parenting classes

Political groups

Volunteer organizations

4

Connect with others dealing with the same isolation. If you feel you're being discriminated against because of gender, race, disability, or sexual orientation, seek out others that are going through the same thing through discussion groups or organizations.

Ad

We could really use your help!

Can you tell us about

Dating?

Yes

No

Can you tell us about

Dog Obedience?

Yes

No

Can you tell us about

Clothing Stains?

Yes

No

Can you tell us about

Video Games?

Yes

No

Thanks for helping! Please tell us everything you know about

...

Tell us everything you know here. Remember, more detail is better.

Tips

Provide details.

Please be as detailed as possible in your explanation. We will take your detailed information, edit it for clarity and accuracy, and incorporate it into an article that will help thousands of people.Don't say: Eat more fats.Do say: Add fats with some nutritional value to the foods you already eat. Try olive oil, butter, avocado, and mayonnaise.